Notice of Public Information Centre #2 for Smithville downtown bypass (Highway 20 / Regional Road 20) in West Lincoln

Niagara Region, through their consultant WSP Canada Inc., has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study to examine a potential Highway 20 (Regional Road 20) bypass around downtown Smithville in West Lincoln. The study area surrounds downtown Smithville.

 

The study builds on Niagara Region’s 2017 Transportation Master Plan and the Township of West Lincoln’s Smithville Master Community Plan. The plans recommended that a bypass be explored either north or south of downtown Smithville.

 

The study will assess routing options, local traffic impacts and required infrastructure and operational improvements. The main objective is to identify and evaluate bypass alignment options with a key focus on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

 

 

Niagara Region has planned this project according to Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, under Schedule C of the Municipal Engineer’s Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The study will complete Phases 1 to 4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process requirements. This includes evaluating alternatives and identifying a preferred strategy.

 

When the study is complete, an Environmental Study Report will be prepared and made available for a 30‑day public review period. A notice of completion will be issued at that stage.

 

 

Consultation with Indigenous Communities, the public, regulatory agencies and stakeholders is a key part of the process.

 

Public Information Centre #1 has already been held to gather initial input. Two more Public Information Centres, including Public Information Centre #2, are planned to gather input on the long list and short‑listed bypass alternatives and to discuss issues and concerns with the project team.

 

Public Information Centre #2 will be held in person (drop‑in format) and will focus on Phase 2 of the Environmental Assessment process. Information will be provided on the study purpose and schedule, feedback received, the long list of bypass alternatives and the evaluation and screening process used to identify the short‑listed alternatives.

 

Feedback is requested on the short‑listed alternatives, evaluation results and community considerations to help inform the preferred solution.

 

Materials will be available on the Highway 20 (Regional Road 20) Smithville Downtown Bypass Environmental Assessment project page on June 4. Comments will be accepted until June 26.

 

 

For questions, comments or to be added to the project mailing list, contact:

 

Amy Shanks, MCIP, RPP

Project Manager, Transportation Infrastructure Planning

Niagara Region

905-980-6000 ext. 3532

amy.shanks@niagararegion.ca

 

Jay Goldberg, P.Eng., PMP

Senior Project Manager, Transportation Planning

WSP

289-835-2489

jay.goldberg@wsp.com

 

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

 

If you need any accommodations for a disability to attend and participate in meetings or events, let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Contact the Accessibility Advisor at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.